'Two Lengths has every Day-' by Emily Dickinson

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Two Lengths has every Day-
Its absolute extent
And Area superior
By Hope or Horror lent-Eternity will be
Velocity or Pause
At Fundamental Signals
From Fundamental Laws.To die is not to go-
On Doom's consummate Chart
No Territory new is staked-
Remain thou as thou art.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's "Two Lengths has every Day"

Are you ready for a journey into the depths of Emily Dickinson's "Two Lengths has every Day"? This poem, like many of Dickinson's works, may seem deceptively simple at first glance. But upon closer examination, we find a rich tapestry of themes and imagery that speak to the human experience in profound ways.

Let's begin by examining the poem itself:

Two Lengths has every Day—
Its absolute extent
And relative capacity—
From that to this extent—

In other words, every day has both an absolute length and a relative capacity, ranging from the full span of time that passes from sunrise to sunset ("its absolute extent") to the individual experiences and moments that fill that time ("from that to this extent").

But Dickinson doesn't stop there. She goes on to explore the significance of these two lengths:

With this—the Soul's relation—
To that thing not described—
Which makes us—accustomed—to—
But we—unsatisfied—

Here, Dickinson introduces the idea of the soul's relation to the unknown, the ineffable, the "thing not described." This relationship, she suggests, is what makes us "accustomed to" the passing of time, but also "unsatisfied" with it.

So what does all of this mean? Let's break it down further.

Absolute Extent vs. Relative Capacity

At its most basic level, "Two Lengths has every Day" is a meditation on time. But rather than simply noting the passing of hours and minutes, Dickinson invites us to consider the different ways in which time can be measured and experienced.

The "absolute extent" of a day is a fixed quantity - 24 hours, give or take a few minutes. This is the length of time that the earth takes to complete one rotation on its axis, and it is the same for everyone, everywhere, every day.

But the "relative capacity" of a day is much more subjective. It encompasses all of the experiences and moments that fill those 24 hours - from the mundane to the extraordinary, from the routine to the unexpected. For each individual, this capacity is different, shaped by personality, circumstance, and perspective.

By focusing on these two lengths, Dickinson highlights the tension between the objective and the subjective, the universal and the personal. She asks us to consider how we measure and value time, and whether we prioritize the external or the internal aspects of our lives.

The Soul's Relation to the Unknown

But Dickinson doesn't simply offer a philosophical treatise on the nature of time. She also delves into the deeper, more mysterious aspects of human existence - the realm of the soul and its relationship to the unknown.

In the second half of the poem, Dickinson suggests that our souls are constantly in dialogue with something that cannot be described or defined. This "thing not described" may be God, or the universe, or some other force beyond our comprehension. Whatever it is, it is something that we are "accustomed to" - it is always there, always present, even if we can't fully grasp it.

This relationship between the soul and the unknown is what gives us a sense of purpose and direction, even as we navigate the complexities of daily life. But it also leaves us "unsatisfied" - there is always more to explore, more to understand, more to connect with.

Conclusion

So what can we take away from "Two Lengths has every Day"? At its core, this poem is a reminder that our lives are shaped by both the objective and the subjective, the known and the unknown. We may measure time in hours and minutes, but it is our experiences and connections that give those hours and minutes meaning.

And beneath it all, there is the mystery of the soul and its relationship to that which cannot be described. This mystery may be unsettling or inspiring, but it is always present. It reminds us of the boundless possibilities of our existence, and the infinite potential for growth and discovery.

So the next time you find yourself looking at the clock, remember that there is more to time than just its length. And the next time you feel a sense of longing or restlessness, remember that your soul is in dialogue with something much larger and more profound than your daily routine. Who knows what insights and discoveries await?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson's "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day"

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is a testament to her brilliance. This poem is a beautiful exploration of the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, structure, and meaning.

Themes

The central theme of "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. Dickinson argues that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but a way of understanding the world around us. She writes, "There is no frigate like a book / To take us lands away," suggesting that poetry has the power to transport us to new places and experiences.

Another important theme in this poem is the idea that poetry is a form of escape. Dickinson writes, "We can evade a question / But we cannot evade the sun," suggesting that poetry allows us to escape the harsh realities of life and find solace in the beauty of language.

Finally, "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" explores the idea that poetry is a form of truth-telling. Dickinson writes, "Tell all the truth but tell it slant," suggesting that poetry has the power to reveal the truth in a way that is both subtle and profound.

Structure

"Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is a short poem, consisting of only two stanzas. Each stanza is comprised of four lines, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic trimeter, which means that each line contains three iambs (a metrical foot consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable).

The simplicity of the poem's structure belies its complexity. Dickinson's use of rhyme and meter creates a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its emotional impact. The poem's brevity also adds to its power, as Dickinson is able to convey a profound message in just eight lines.

Meaning

"Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. Dickinson argues that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but a way of understanding the world around us. She writes, "There is no frigate like a book / To take us lands away," suggesting that poetry has the power to transport us to new places and experiences.

The poem also explores the idea that poetry is a form of escape. Dickinson writes, "We can evade a question / But we cannot evade the sun," suggesting that poetry allows us to escape the harsh realities of life and find solace in the beauty of language.

Finally, "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" suggests that poetry is a form of truth-telling. Dickinson writes, "Tell all the truth but tell it slant," suggesting that poetry has the power to reveal the truth in a way that is both subtle and profound.

Conclusion

"Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. Dickinson's use of rhyme and meter creates a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its emotional impact. The poem's brevity also adds to its power, as Dickinson is able to convey a profound message in just eight lines.

Overall, "Poetry: Two Lengths has every Day" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's brilliance as a poet. Her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of life in just a few lines is truly remarkable, and this poem is a perfect example of her talent.

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